City Controller Wendy Greuel to review Building and Safety billing practices

City Controller Wendy Greuel announced Wednesday she plans to launch a comprehensive investigation into the billing practices of the city Department of Building and Safety.

Greuel said her office has uncovered a number of complaints in which some customers were overcharged and others were undercharged.

Also, she said, her office found instances when permit fees were arbitrarily charged for projects and extra fees were added.

"People who do business with the city expect more and deserve better," Greuel said. "As I reviewed the department's management controls, it became clear that there are several issues with how the Department of Building and Safety is collecting its fees."

Building and Safety has had a number of problems in recent years, including a bribery scandal in which building inspectors were charged with soliciting and taking bribes.

Building and Safety General Manager Bud Ovrom said he welcomed any information or recommendations Greuel can provide.

"We will look into it closely and if there are problems, such as overcharging, will take steps to correct it immediately," Ovrom said.